*
banner

New Harper work set for Christmas premiere

An emotive new work from the pen of Philip Harper is to be premiered by euphonium player Micah Parsons and City of Coventry Band this weekend.

Micah Parsons
 

This weekend City of Coventry Brass will premiere a new work from the pen of Philip Harper. 'In Gardens of Peace' will feature solo euphonium, Micah Parsons in a performance directed by conductor Stephen Cooper.

The work was commissioned by Micah (above) after a visit to the Somme Battlefields in August 2014 to honour his Great Grandfather Henry Nichols, who was a cornet player in the Coventry City Salvation Army Band just before the start of the First World War.

Personal

After asking Philip to write the work, the Cory MD was also taken by the very personal inspiration behind the commission. "The work commemorates the life of Micah's great grandfather who was killed in battle, and is inspired by the unique aura which pervades burial grounds and cemeteries where he and others now lie — the sense of peaceful tranquillity, but also tragedy and loss."

Passionate

He added: "The euphonium is the ideal solo voice to articulate this with its soulful depth of sound and ability to soar passionately over the ensemble — characteristics which are developed throughout the piece. The music ends positively, with the wish that hope can come from despair."

...is inspired by the unique aura which pervades burial grounds and cemeteries where he and others now lie — the sense of peaceful tranquillity, but also tragedy and lossPhilip Harper

Emotive

Micah, who has just been awarded a first class degree in Music Performance studying under the tuition of Steven Mead, added: "It's exciting to collaborate with Philip Harper on such an emotive project that commemorates such an important personal family tragedy as well as national event in British history."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Desford

Desford reaching wider audience following National win

October 16 • The wider public media have been keen to broadcast the news of Desford's memorable National Championship victory.


Yorkshire generation

Yorkshire focus on Next Generation

October 16 • Young players aged 16 and under will be teh focus of a 'Next Generation' day of inclusive music making in York in February.


Emotions

New online brass band platform launched

October 16 • Emotions on Stage will replace the CUBrass website as a leading platform for brass, wind and concert bands.


Grimethorpe

Grimethorpe go for a Burton

October 16 • Will Burton is the new solo Eb tuba of Grimethorpe Colliery Band.


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Oxted Brass Band - Tom Smith (Brighouse & Rastrick)

Saturday 18 October • St John’s, Hurst Green, Kent RH8 9EA


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd